Flying with Baby

Some tips we learned while flying with Luke:

• Be prepared to be a human pacifier (or have a bottle/pacifier within reach at all times).  
• I have a diaper pouch as part of the diaper bag, which was essential for the plane.  Everything was in the same pouch (a wet bag) and I could just reach down and grab it by touch. Make sure you have all of your diaper gear in the pouch, as well as baby Tylenol and extra clothes for both you and Baby.  Some babies have diarrhea on planes - so pack more than you think you'll need. 
• Wearing a scarf was also good - it could be used as a nursing cover, a baby blanket, and it could also disguise potential stains/leaks on me.  

I hate over-packing for trips.  It is a serious pet peeve.  That being said, I didn't want to be stuck needing something that would make life on the go easier.

• We broke down his swing and packed it in our luggage for hotel rooms...and I was thankful we did! The car seat can pop into the Graco SnugGlider {here}.  This way, he could fall asleep in the hotel room and we could grab his seat when we were ready to go for the day and his nap could continue! 
• The logistics of moving him was bulky. I bought a cheap snap 'n go stroller frame on CraigsList for his car seat.  We checked the car seat base with our luggage and moved him to the gate in the stroller with the car seat snapped in.  
• When it was time to board the plane, I put him in the baby carrier and checked the stroller/car seat at the gate.  
• I bought these bags to keep them clean under the plane. 

After that, I just took a deep breath tried to relax.  I was pleasantly surprised at how great people were - they were very helpful and understanding.  Most people have been in that position...at least that's what I told myself :)